Carnival backs Caribbean community tourism at CTO conference

By AI, Created 11:44 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Carnival Corporation & plc used the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize to highlight community-led tourism, waste reduction and local business inclusion across the region. The company also sponsored the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards, where Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village won the Community-Based Tourism Award.

Why it matters: - Carnival Corporation & plc is leaning into the Caribbean as a core market while signaling that cruise growth will depend on stronger local partnerships and lower environmental impact. - The conference spotlighted community-based tourism, which can direct more tourism revenue to residents and small businesses instead of outside operators. - The discussion comes as Caribbean destinations push for tourism models tied more closely to the blue economy, climate action and community benefits.

What happened: - Carnival Corporation & plc wrapped up a week of collaboration at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. - The company sponsored the 2026 Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards. - Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village won the Community-Based Tourism Award for its community-led tourism model. - Benton Lobo, vice president of compliance and environmental operations for Carnival Cruise Line, joined a panel on “Innovating Cruise Tourism in the Blue Economy.” - Lobo said cruise tourism’s future will be shaped by how well the industry manages growth, partners with destinations and reduces its environmental footprint.

The details: - Carnival said its Caribbean projects include new partnerships focused on local recycling and composting to keep waste out of regional ecosystems. - The company is expanding career outreach and creating more opportunities for small- and medium-sized local businesses to join the tourism supply chain. - Carnival is also working to strengthen the blue economy through stewardship of marine resources. - Lobo said the Caribbean is central to Carnival’s operations and future. - Lobo said long-term success depends on shared value with local communities. - STC is described as the region’s premier forum for leaders and policymakers focused on practical solutions for sustainable tourism. - This year’s conference drew more than 60 speakers and over 300 participants. - Conference sessions covered marine conservation, climate action, culture, creativity and community empowerment. - The gathering also explored how Blue, Green, Orange and other emerging economies can support a more inclusive tourism industry. - The photo caption identified Candace Phillips of the Guyana Tourism Authority accepting the Community-Based Tourism Award on behalf of Guyana Inni Lodge — Toka Village, with Charlene Drakes of Carnival Corporation & plc and Dona Regis-Prosper of the Caribbean Tourism Organization nearby.

Between the lines: - Carnival is using a major regional tourism forum to reinforce a sustainability message that goes beyond cruise operations and toward destination-level economic impact. - The award sponsorship and panel appearance suggest the company wants to be seen as a partner in Caribbean development, not just a visitor in the region. - The emphasis on recycling, composting and supplier access points to practical projects that can be measured by local stakeholders.

What’s next: - Carnival is likely to keep advancing Caribbean partnerships tied to waste reduction, local hiring and supplier development. - The conference themes suggest more collaboration ahead between cruise operators, governments and community tourism groups. - The company directs readers to its corporate and impact sites for more information, including Carnival Corporation and Carnival’s impact page.